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G.R. No. 157010 - PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK v. FLORENCE O. CABANSAG : JUNE 2005 - PHILIPPINE SUPREME COURT JURISPRUDE

THIRDDIVISION
[G.R.NO.157010:June21,2005]
PHILIPPINENATIONALBANK,Petitioner,v.FLORENCEO.CABANSAG,Respondent.
DECISION
PANGANIBAN,J.:
The Court reiterates the basic policy that all Filipino workers, whether employed locally or overseas, enjoy the
protective mantle of Philippine labor and social legislations. Our labor statutes may not be rendered ineffective by
lawsorjudgmentspromulgated,orstipulationsagreedupon,inaforeigncountry.
TheCase
BeforeusisaPetitionforReviewonCertiorari1underRule45oftheRulesofCourt,seekingtoreverseandsetaside
the July 16, 2002 Decision2and the January 29, 2003 Resolution3of the Court of Appeals (CA) in CAGR SP No.
68403.TheassailedDecisiondismissedtheCAPetition(filedbyhereinpetitioner),whichhadsoughttoreversethe
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)'s June 29, 2001 Resolution,4affirming Labor Arbiter Joel S. Lustria's
January18,2000Decision.5
TheassailedCAResolutiondeniedhereinpetitioner'sMotionforReconsideration.
TheFacts
ThefactsarenarratedbytheCourtofAppealsasfollows:
"Inlate1998,[hereinRespondentFlorenceCabansag]arrivedinSingaporeasatourist.Sheappliedforemployment,
withtheSingaporeBranchofthePhilippineNationalBank,aprivatebankingcorporationorganizedandexistingunder
thelawsofthePhilippines,withprincipalofficesatthePNBFinancialCenter,RoxasBoulevard,Manila.Atthetime,
theSingaporePNBBranchwasunderthehelmofRubenC.Tobias,alawyer,asGeneralManager,withtherankof
VicePresidentoftheBank.Atthetime,too,theBranchOfficehadtwo(2)typesofemployees:(a)expatriatesorthe
regular employees, hired in Manila and assigned abroad including Singapore, and (b) locally (direct) hired. She
applied for employment as Branch Credit Officer, at a total monthly package of $SG4,500.00, effective upon
assumptionofdutiesafterapproval.RubenC.TobiasfoundhereminentlyqualifiedandwroteonOctober26,1998,a
letter to the President of the Bank in Manila, recommending the appointment of Florence O. Cabansag, for the
position.
xxx
"The President of the Bank was impressed with the credentials of Florence O. Cabansag that he approved the
recommendation of Ruben C. Tobias. She then filed an 'Application,' with the Ministry of Manpower of the
Government of Singapore, for the issuance of an 'EmploymentPass' as an employee of the Singapore PNB Branch.
Herapplicationwasapprovedforaperiodoftwo(2)years.
"On December 7, 1998, Ruben C. Tobias wrote a letter to Florence O. Cabansag offering her a temporary
appointment, as Credit Officer, at a basic salary of Singapore Dollars 4,500.00, a month and, upon her successful
completionofherprobationtobedeterminedsolely,bytheBank,shemaybeextendedatthediscretionoftheBank,
apermanentappointmentandthathertemporaryappointmentwassubjecttothefollowingtermsandconditions:
'1. You will be on probation for a period of three (3) consecutive months from the date of your
assumptionofduty.
'2.YouwillobservetheBank'srulesandregulationsandthosethatmaybeadoptedfromtimetotime.
'3. You will keep in strictest confidence all matters related to transactions between the Bank and its
clients.
'4.Youwilldevoteyourfulltimeduringbusinesshoursinpromotingthebusinessandinterestofthe
Bank.
'5. You will not, without prior written consent of the Bank, be employed in anyway for any purpose
whatsoeveroutsidebusinesshoursbyanyperson,firmorcompany.
'6.TerminationofyouremploymentwiththeBankmaybemadebyeitherpartyafternoticeofone(1)
dayinwritingduringprobation,onemonthnoticeuponconfirmationortheequivalentofone(1)day's
ormonth'ssalaryinlieuofnotice.'
"Florence O. Cabansag accepted the position and assumed office. In the meantime, the Philippine Embassy in
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Singapore processed the employment contract of Florence O. Cabansag and, on March 8, 1999, she was issued by
thePhilippineOverseasEmploymentAdministration,an'OverseasEmploymentCertificate,'certifyingthatshewasa
bonafidecontractworkerforSingapore.
xxx
"Barelythree(3)monthsinoffice,FlorenceO.CabansagsubmittedtoRubenC.Tobias,onMarch9,1999,herinitial
'PerformanceReport. 'Ruben C. Tobias was so impressed with the 'Report' that he made a notation and, on said
'Report':'GOODWORK. 'However, in the evening of April 14, 1999, while Florence O. Cabansag was in the flat,
whichsheandCeciliaAquino,theAssistantVicePresidentandDeputyGeneralManageroftheBranchandRosanna
Sarmiento,theChiefDealerofthesaidBranch,rented,shewastoldbythetwo(2)thatRubenC.Tobiashasasked
themtotellFlorenceO.Cabansagtoresignfromherjob.FlorenceO.Cabansagwasperplexedatthesuddenturnof
events and the runabout way Ruben C. Tobias procured her resignation from the Bank. The next day, Florence O.
Cabansag talked to Ruben C. Tobias and inquired if what Cecilia Aquino and Rosanna Sarmiento had told her was
true. Ruben C. Tobias confirmed the veracity of the information, with the explanation that her resignation was
imperativeasa'costcuttingmeasure'oftheBank.RubenC.Tobias,likewise,toldFlorenceO.CabansagthatthePNB
SingaporeBranchwillbesoldortransformedintoaremittanceofficeandthat,ineitherway,FlorenceO.Cabansag
hadtoresignfromheremployment.ThemoreFlorenceO.Cabansagwasperplexed.ShethenaskedRubenC.Tobias
that she be furnished with a 'FormalAdvice'from the PNB Head Office in Manila. However, Ruben C. Tobias flatly
refused.FlorenceO.Cabansagdidnotsubmitanyletterofresignation.
"On April 16, 1999, Ruben C. Tobias again summoned Florence O. Cabansag to his office and demanded that she
submitherletterofresignation,withthepretextthatheneededaChinesespeakingCreditOfficertopenetratethe
localmarket,withtheinformationthataChinesespeakingCreditOfficerhadalreadybeenhiredandwillbereporting
forworksoon.Shewaswarnedthat,unlessshesubmittedherletterofresignation,heremploymentrecordwillbe
blemishedwiththenotation'DISMISSED'spreadthereon.Withoutgivinganydefinitiveanswer,FlorenceO.Cabansag
asked Ruben C. Tobias that she be given sufficient time to look for another job. Ruben C. Tobias told her that she
shouldbe'out'ofheremploymentbyMay15,1999.
"However,onApril19,1999,RubenC.TobiasagainsummonedFlorenceO.Cabansagandadamantlyorderedherto
submit her letter of resignation. She refused. On April 20, 1999, she received a letter from Ruben C. Tobias
terminatingheremploymentwiththeBank.
xxx
"On January 18, 2000, the Labor Arbiter rendered judgment in favor of the Complainant and against the
Respondents,thedecretalportionofwhichreadsasfollows:
'WHEREFORE,consideringtheforegoingpremises,judgmentisherebyrenderedfindingrespondentsguiltyofIllegal
dismissalanddevoidofdueprocess,andareherebyordered:
1.Toreinstatecomplainanttoherformerorsubstantiallyequivalentpositionwithoutlossofseniority
rights,benefitsandprivileges
2.Solidarilyliabletopaycomplainantasfollows:
a)Topaycomplainantherbackwagesfrom16April1999uptoheractualreinstatement.
Her backwages as of the date of the promulgation of this decision amounted to SGD
40,500.00oritsequivalentinPhilippineCurrencyatthetimeofpayment
b) Midyear bonus in the amount of SGD 2,250.00 or its equivalent in Philippine
Currencyatthetimeofpayment
c) Allowance for Sunday banking in the amount of SGD 120.00 or its equivalent in
PhilippineCurrencyatthetimeofpayment
d)MonetaryequivalentofleavecreditsearnedonSundaybankingintheamountofSGD
1,557.67oritsequivalentinPhilippineCurrencyatthetimeofpayment
e)MonetaryequivalentofunusedsickleavebenefitsintheamountofSGD1,150.60or
itsequivalentinPhilippineCurrencyatthetimeofpayment.
f)MonetaryequivalentofunusedvacationleavebenefitsintheamountofSGD319.85
oritsequivalentinPhilippineCurrencyatthetimeofpayment.
g) 13th month pay in the amount of SGD 4,500.00 or its equivalent in Philippine
Currencyatthetimeofpayment
3. Solidarily to pay complainant actual damages in the amount of SGD 1,978.00 or its equivalent in
Philippine Currency at the time of payment, and moral damages in the amount of PhP 200,000.00,
exemplarydamagesintheamountofPhP100,000.00
4.TopaycomplainanttheamountofSGD5,039.81oritsequivalentinPhilippineCurrencyatthetime
ofpayment,representingattorney'sfees.
SOORDERED."6[Emphasisintheoriginal.]
PNBappealedthelaborarbiter'sDecisiontotheNLRC.InaResolutiondatedJune29,2001,theCommissionaffirmed
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thatDecision,butreducedthemoraldamagestoP100,000andtheexemplarydamagestoP50,000.Inasubsequent
Resolution,theNLRCdeniedPNB'sMotionforReconsideration.
RulingoftheCourtofAppeals
In disposing of the Petition forCertiorari, the CA noted that petitioner bank had failed to adduce in evidence the
Singaporeanlawsupposedlygoverningthelatter'semploymentContractwithrespondent.Theappellatecourtfound
thattheContracthadactuallybeenprocessedbythePhilippineEmbassyinSingaporeandapprovedbythePhilippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), which then used that Contract as a basis for issuing an Overseas
EmploymentCertificateinfavorofrespondent.
According to the CA, even though respondent secured an employment pass from the Singapore Ministry of
Employment,shedidnottherebywaivePhilippinelaborlaws,orthejurisdictionofthelaborarbiterortheNLRCover
herComplaintforillegaldismissal.Insodoing,neitherdidshesubmitherselfsolelytotheMinistryofManpowerof
Singapore'sjurisdictionoverdisputesarisingfromheremployment.Theappellatecourtfurthernotedthatacursory
readingoftheMinistry'sletterwillreadilyshowthatnosuchwaiverorsubmissionisstatedorimplied.
Finally,theCAheldthatpetitionerhadfailedtoestablishajustcauseforthedismissalofrespondent.Thebankhad
alsofailedtogivehersufficientnoticeandanopportunitytobeheardandtodefendherself.TheCAruledthatshe
wasconsequentlyentitledtoreinstatementandbackwages,computedfromthetimeofherdismissaluptothetime
ofherreinstatement.
Hence,thisPetition.7
Issues
Petitionersubmitsthefollowingissuesforourconsideration:
"1. Whether or not the arbitration branch of the NLRC in the National Capital Region has jurisdiction
overtheinstantcontroversy
"2. Whether or not the arbitration of the NLRC in the National Capital Region is the most convenient
venueorforumtohearanddecidetheinstantcontroversyand
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"3.Whetherornottherespondentwasillegallydismissed,andtherefore,entitledtorecovermoraland
exemplarydamagesandattorney'sfees."8
In addition, respondent assails, in her Comment,9the propriety of Rule 45 as the procedural mode for seeking a
review of the CA Decision affirming the NLRC Resolution. Such issue deserves scant consideration. Respondent
miscomprehends the Court's discourse in St. Martin Funeral Home v. NLRC,10which has indeed affirmed that the
propermodeofreviewofNLRCdecisions,resolutionsorordersisbyaspecialcivilactionforcertiorariunderRule65
of the Rules of Court. The Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals haveconcurrentoriginaljurisdiction over such
petitions for certiorari. Thus, in observance of the doctrine on the hierarchy of courts, these petitions should be
initiallyfiledwiththeCA.11
Rightly,thebankelevatedtheNLRCResolutiontotheCAbywayofaPetitionforCertiorari.Inseekingareviewby
this Court of the CA Decision on questions of jurisdiction, venue and validity of employment termination
petitionerislikewisecorrectininvokingRule45.12
It is true, however, that in a Petition for Review onCertiorari, the scope of the Supreme Court's judicial review of
decisionsoftheCourtofAppealsisgenerallyconfinedonlytoerrorsoflaw.Itdoesnotextendtoquestionsoffact.
This doctrine applies with greater force in labor cases. Factual questions are for the labor tribunals to resolve.13In
thepresentcase,thelaborarbiterandtheNLRChavealreadydeterminedthefactualissues.Theirfindings,whichare
supported by substantial evidence, were affirmed by the CA. Thus, they are entitled to great respect and are
renderedconclusiveuponthisCourt,absentaclearshowingofpalpableerrororarbitrarydisregardofevidence.14
TheCourt'sRuling
ThePetitionhasnomerit.
FirstIssue:
Jurisdiction
ThejurisdictionoflaborarbitersandtheNLRCisspecifiedinArticle217oftheLaborCodeasfollows:
"ART.217.JurisdictionofLaborArbitersandtheCommission.'(a)ExceptasotherwiseprovidedunderthisCodethe
LaborArbitersshallhaveoriginalandexclusivejurisdictiontohearanddecide,withinthirty(30)calendardaysafter
thesubmissionofthecasebythepartiesfordecisionwithoutextension,evenintheabsenceofstenographicnotes,
thefollowingcasesinvolvingallworkers,whetheragriculturalornonagricultural:
1.Unfairlaborpracticecases
2.Terminationdisputes
3. If accompanied with a claim for reinstatement, those cases that workers may file involving wage,
ratesofpay,hoursofworkandothertermsandconditionsofemployment
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4. Claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages arising from the employer
employeerelations
5.CasesarisingfromanyviolationofArticle264ofthisCode,includingquestionsinvolvingthelegality
ofstrikesandlockoutsand
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6. Except claims for Employees Compensation, Social Security, Medicare and maternity benefits, all
other claims, arising from employeremployee relations, including those of persons in domestic or
household service, involving an amount of exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) regardless of
whetheraccompaniedwithaclaimforreinstatement.
(b)ThecommissionshallhaveexclusiveappellatejurisdictionoverallcasesdecidedbyLaborArbiters.
xxxxxxxxx."
Morespecifically,Section10ofRA8042readsinpart:
"SECTION 10. Money Claims. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Labor Arbiters of the
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide,
within ninety (90) calendar days after the filing of the complaint, the claims arising out of an employeremployee
relationshiporbyvirtueofanylaworcontractinvolvingFilipinoworkersforoverseasdeploymentincludingclaimsfor
actual,moral,exemplaryandotherformsofdamages.
xxxxxxxxx"
Based on the foregoing provisions, labor arbiters clearly haveoriginal and exclusivejurisdiction over claims arising
fromemployeremployeerelations,includingterminationdisputesinvolvingallworkers, among whom are overseas
Filipinoworkers(OFW).15
We are not unmindful of the fact that respondent was directly hired, while on a tourist status in Singapore, by the
PNB branch in that city state. Prior to employing respondent, petitioner had to obtain an employment pass for her
from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. Securing the pass was a regulatory requirement pursuant to the
immigrationregulationsofthatcountry.16
Similarly,thePhilippinegovernmentrequiresnonFilipinosworkinginthecountrytofirstobtainalocalworkpermitin
ordertobelegallyemployedhere.Thatpermit,however,doesnotautomaticallymeanthatthenoncitizenisthereby
boundbylocallawsonly,asaverredbypetitioner.Itdoesnotatallimplyawaiverofone'snationallawsonlabor.
Absentanyclearandconvincingevidencetothecontrary,suchpermitsimplymeansthatitsholderhasalegalstatus
asaworkerintheissuingcountry.
rblrlllbrr

NoteworthyisthefactthatrespondentlikewiseappliedforandsecuredanOverseasEmploymentCertificatefromthe
POEAthroughthePhilippineEmbassyinSingapore.TheCertificate,issuedonMarch8,1999,declaredherabonafide
contractworkerforSingapore.UnderPhilippinelaw,thisdocumentauthorizedherworkingstatusinaforeigncountry
and entitled her to all benefits and processes under our statutes. Thus, even assuming arguendo that she was
consideredatthestartofheremploymentasa"directhire"governedbyandsubjecttothelaws,commonpractices
andcustomsprevailinginSingapore17shesubsequentlybecameacontractworkeroranOFWwhowascoveredby
Philippine labor laws and policies upon certification by the POEA. At the time her employment was illegally
terminated,shealreadypossessedthePOEAemploymentCertificate.
Moreover, petitioner admits that it is a Philippine corporation doing business through a branch office in
Singapore.18Significantly,respondent'semploymentbytheSingaporebranchofficehadtobeapprovedbyBenjamin
P.PalmaGil,19thepresidentofthebankwhoseprincipalofficeswereinManila.Thiscircumstancemilitatesagainst
petitioner'scontentionthatrespondentwas"locallyhired"andtotally"governedbyandsubjecttothelaws,common
practices and customs" of Singapore, not of the Philippines. Instead, with more reason does this fact reinforce the
presumption that respondent falls under the legal definition of migrant worker, in this case one deployed in
Singapore.Hence,petitionercannotescapetheapplicationofPhilippinelawsorthejurisdictionoftheNLRCandthe
laborarbiter.
Inanyevent,werecallthefollowingpolicypronouncementoftheCourtinRoyalCrownInternationalev.NLRC:20
"xxx.Whetheremployedlocallyoroverseas,allFilipinoworkersenjoytheprotectivemantleofPhilippinelaborand
social legislation, contract stipulations to the contrary notwithstanding. This pronouncement is in keeping with the
basic public policy of the State to afford protection to labor, promote full employment, ensure equal work
opportunitiesregardlessofsex,raceorcreed,andregulatetherelationsbetweenworkersandemployers.
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FortheStateassuresthebasicrightsofallworkerstoselforganization,collectivebargaining,securityoftenure,and
justandhumaneconditionsofwork[Article3oftheLaborCodeofthePhilippinesSeealsoSection18,ArticleIIand
Section3,ArticleXIII,1987Constitution].ThisrulingislikewiserenderedimperativebyArticle17oftheCivilCode
whichstatesthatlaws'whichhavefortheirobjectpublicorder,publicpolicyandgoodcustomsshallnotberendered
ineffectivebylawsorjudgmentspromulgated,orbydeterminationorconventionsagreeduponinaforeigncountry.
'"
SecondIssue:
ProperVenue
Section1(a)ofRuleIVoftheNLRCRulesofProcedurereads:
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"Section1.Venue(a)AllcaseswhichLaborArbitershaveauthoritytohearanddecidemaybefiledintheRegional
ArbitrationBranchhavingjurisdictionovertheworkplaceofthecomplainant/petitionerProvided,howeverthatcases
ofOverseasFilipinoWorker(OFW)shallbefiledbeforetheRegionalArbitrationBranchwherethecomplainantresides
orwheretheprincipalofficeoftherespondent/employerissituated,attheoptionofthecomplainant.
"For purposes of venue, workplace shall be understood as the place or locality where the employee is regularly
assigned when the cause of action arose. It shall include the place where the employee is supposed to report back
after a temporary detail, assignment or travel. In the case of field employees, as well as ambulant or itinerant
workers,theirworkplaceiswheretheyareregularlyassigned,orwheretheyaresupposedtoregularlyreceivetheir
salaries/wagesorworkinstructionsfrom,andreporttheresultsoftheirassignmenttotheiremployers."
Underthe"MigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosActof1995"(RA8042),amigrantworker"referstoapersonwho
is to be engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a
legalresidenttobeusedinterchangeablywithoverseasFilipinoworker."21Undeniably,respondentwasemployedby
petitionerinitsbranchofficeinSingapore.Admittedly,sheisaFilipinoandnotalegalresidentofthatstate.Shethus
fallswithinthecategoryof"migrantworker"or"overseasFilipinoworker."
Assuch,itisheroptiontochoosethevenueofherComplaintagainstpetitionerforillegaldismissal.Thelawgives
hertwochoices:(1)attheRegionalArbitrationBranch(RAB)wheresheresidesor(2)attheRABwheretheprincipal
office of her employer is situated. Since her dismissal by petitioner, respondent has returned to the Philippines
specificallytoherresidenceatFilinvestII,QuezonCity.Thus,infilingherComplaintbeforetheRABofficeinQuezon
City,shehasmadeavalidchoiceofpropervenue.
ThirdIssue:
IllegalDismissal
The appellate court was correct in holding that respondent was already a regular employee at the time of her
dismissal, because her threemonth probationary period of employment had already ended. This ruling is in
accordancewithArticle281oftheLaborCode:"Anemployeewhoisallowedtoworkafteraprobationaryperiodshall
beconsideredaregularemployee."Indeed,petitionerrecognizedrespondentassuchatthetimeitdismissedher,by
giving her one month's salary in lieu of a onemonth notice, consistent with provision No. 6 of her employment
Contract.
NoticeandHearingNotCompliedWith
Asaregularemployee,respondentwasentitledtoallrights,benefitsandprivilegesprovidedunderourlaborlaws.
Oneofherfundamentalrightsisthatshemaynotbedismissedwithoutdueprocessoflaw.Thetwinrequirementsof
noticeandhearingconstitutetheessentialelementsofproceduraldueprocess,andneitheroftheseelementscanbe
eliminatedwithoutrunningafouloftheconstitutionalguarantee.22
In dismissing employees, the employer must furnish them two written notices: 1) one to apprise them of the
particular acts or omissions for which their dismissal is sought and 2) the other to inform them of the decision to
dismissthem.Astotherequirementofahearing,itsessenceliessimplyintheopportunitytobeheard.23
The evidence in this case is crystalclear. Respondent was not notified of the specific act or omission for which her
dismissalwasbeingsought.Neitherwasshegivenanychancetobeheard,asrequiredbylaw.Atanyrate,evenif
sheweregiventheopportunitytobeheard,shecouldnothavedefendedherselfeffectively,forsheknewnocauseto
answerto.
Allthatpetitionertenderedtorespondentwasanoticeofheremploymentterminationeffectivetheverysameday,
together with the equivalent of a onemonth pay. This Court has already held that nothing in the law gives an
employertheoptiontosubstitutetherequiredpriornoticeandopportunitytobeheardwiththemerepaymentof30
days'salary.24
Wellsettled is the rule that the employer shall be sanctioned for noncompliance with the requirements of, or for
failuretoobserve,dueprocessthatmustbeobservedindismissinganemployee.25
NoValidCauseforDismissal
Moreover,Articles282,2628327and28428oftheLaborCodeprovidethevalidgroundsorcausesforanemployee's
dismissal.Theemployerhastheburdenofprovingthatitwasdoneforanyofthosejustorauthorizedcauses.The
failure to discharge this burden means that the dismissal was not justified, and that the employee is entitled to
reinstatementandbackwages.29
Notably, petitioner has not asserted any of the grounds provided by law as a valid reason for terminating the
employmentofrespondent.Itmerelyinsiststhatherdismissalwasvalidlyeffectedpursuanttotheprovisionsofher
employmentContract,whichshehadvoluntarilyagreedtobeboundto.
Truly,thecontractingpartiesmayestablishsuchstipulations,clauses,termsandconditionsastheywant,andtheir
agreement would have the force of law between them. However, petitioner overlooks the qualification that those
termsandconditionsagreeduponmustnotbecontrarytolaw,morals,customs,publicpolicyorpublicorder.30As
explainedearlier,theemploymentContractbetweenpetitionerandrespondentisgovernedbyPhilippinelaborlaws.
Hence, the stipulations, clauses, and terms and conditions of the Contract must not contravene our labor law
provisions.
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Moreover, a contract of employment is imbued with public interest. The Court has time and time again reminded
partiesthatthey"arenotatlibertytoinsulatethemselvesandtheirrelationshipsfromtheimpactoflaborlawsand
regulations by simply contracting with each other."31 Also, while a contract is the law between the parties, the
provisionsofpositivelawthatregulatesuchcontractsaredeemedincludedandshalllimitandgoverntherelations
betweentheparties.32
Basicinourjurisprudenceistheprinciplethatwhenthereisnoshowingofanyclear,valid,andlegalcauseforthe
terminationofemployment,thelawconsidersthematteracaseofillegaldismissal.33
AwardsforDamagesJustified
Finally,moraldamagesarerecoverablewhenthedismissalofanemployeeisattendedbybadfaithorconstitutesan
actoppressivetolabororisdoneinamannercontrarytomorals,goodcustomsorpublicpolicy.34Awardsformoral
andexemplarydamageswouldbeproperiftheemployeewasharassedandarbitrarilydismissedbytheemployer.35
Inaffirmingtheawardsofmoralandexemplarydamages,wequotewithapprovalthefollowingratiocinationofthe
laborarbiter:
"The records also show that [respondent's] dismissal was effected by [petitioners'] capricious and highhanded
manner, antisocial and oppressive, fraudulent and in bad faith, and contrary to morals, good customs and public
policy.Badfaithandfraudareshownintheactscommittedby[petitioners]before,duringandafter[respondent's]
dismissalinadditiontothemannerbywhichshewasdismissed.First,[respondent]waspressuredtoresignfortwo
different and contradictory reasons, namely, costcutting and the need for a Chinese[]speaking credit officer, for
which no written advice was given despite complainant's request. Such wavering stance or vacillating position
indicatesbadfaithandadishonestpurpose.Second,shewasemployedonaccountofherqualifications,experience
and readiness for the position of credit officer and pressured to resign a month after she was commended for her
goodwork.Third,thedemandfor[respondent's]instantresignationon19April1999togivewaytoherreplacement
who was allegedly reporting soonest, is whimsical, fraudulent and in bad faith, because on 16 April 1999 she was
given a period of [sic] until 15 May 1999 within which to leave. Fourth, the pressures made on her to resign were
highly oppressive, antisocial and caused her absolute torture, as [petitioners] disregarded her situation as an
overseas worker away from home and family, with no prospect for another job. She was not even provided with a
returntripfare.Fifth,thenoticeofterminationisanuttermanifestationofbadfaithandwhimasittotallydisregards
[respondent's]righttosecurityoftenureanddueprocess.Suchnoticetogetherwiththedemandsfor[respondent's]
resignation contravenes the fundamental guarantee and public policy of the Philippine government on security of
tenure.
"[Respondent]likewiseestablishedthatasaproximateresultofherdismissalandpriordemandsforresignation,she
suffered and continues to suffer mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings,
moral shock and social humiliation. Her standing in the social and business community as well as prospects for
employmentwithotherentitieshavebeenadverselyaffectedbyherdismissal.[Petitioners]arethusliableformoral
damagesunderArticle2217oftheCivilCode.
xxx
"[Petitioners]likewiseactedinawanton,oppressiveormalevolentmannerinterminating[respondent's]employment
and are therefore liable for exemplary damages. This should served [sic] as protection to other employees of
[petitioner] company, and by way of example or correction for the public good so that persons similarly minded as
[petitioners]wouldbedeterredfromcommittingthesameacts."36
TheCourtalsoaffirmstheawardofattorney'sfees.Itissettledthatwhenanactionisinstitutedfortherecoveryof
wages, or when employees are forced to litigate and consequently incur expenses to protect their rights and
interests,thegrantofattorney'sfeesislegallyjustifiable.37
WHEREFORE,thePetitionisDENIEDandtheassailedDecisionandResolutionAFFIRMED.Costsagainstpetitioner.
SOORDERED.
SandovalGutierrez,Corona,CarpioMorales,andGarcia,JJ.,concur.
Endnotes:
1Rollo,pp.931.
2Id.,pp.3356.TenthDivision.PennedbyJusticeRomeoJ.CallejoSr.(chairmanandnowamember

of this Court), with the concurrence of Justices Remedios SalazarFernando and Danilo B. Pine
(members).
3Id.,pp.5960.
4Id.,pp.7591.
5Id.,pp.6274.
6AssailedDecision,pp.27rollo,pp.3439.

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7 This case was deemed submitted for decision on December 5, 2003, upon this Court's receipt of

respondent'sMemorandumsignedbyAtty.ElviradeVeraBitonio.Petitioner'sMemorandum,signed
by Attys. Benilda V. AbrasiaTejada, Irahlyn P. SacupayoLariba and Marino M. Buban Jr. was
receivedbythisCourtonNovember7,2003.
8Petition,p.8rollo,p.16.
9Rollo,pp.100110.
10356Phil.811,September16,1998.
11Id.,p.824.
12SeeRetuyav.Dumarpa,408SCRA315,August5,2003.
13Alfarov.CA,416Phil.310,August28,2001.
14

Ibid. See also PNOC Dockyard & Engineering Corp. v. NLRC, 353 Phil. 431, June 26, 1998
KAMADA v. FerrerCalleja, 344 Phil. 67, September 5, 1997 Caurdanetaan Piece Workers
Unionv.Laguesma,350Phil.35,February24,1998Tanv.NLRC,359Phil.499,November24,1998.
15'3(a)ofRA8042definesmigrantworkeras"apersonwhoistobeengaged,isengagedorhasbeen

engaged in a remunerated activity in a state in which he or she is not a legal resident to be used
interchangeablywithoverseasFilipinoworker."(Emphasisours.)
16Paragraph8oftheemploymentpassstates:

"IfthereisachangeintheDesignationorDutiesasdeclaredintheapplicationformfor
an Employment Pass, a fresh application is required. It is an offence under the
ImmigrationRegulationsforfailingtodoso."(Annex"5a"toCommentrollo,p.120.)
17Petition,p.3rollo,p.11.
18Petitioner'sMemorandum,p.22rollo,p.178.
19Annex"2"toCommentrollo,pp.113114.
20178SCRA569,580581,October16,1989,perCortes,J.
21'3(a),RA8042also2(a)and(e),RuleIIoftheOmnibusRulesandRegulationsImplementingthe

MigrantWorkersandOverseasFilipinosAct.

22VintaMaritimeCo.,Inc.v.NLRC,348Phil.714,January23,1998.
23

Paguio Transport Corp. v. NLRC, 356 Phil. 158, August 28, 1998 Tan v. NLRC, supra
Pascuav.NLRC,351Phil.48,March13,1998VintaMaritimeCo.,Inc.v.NLRC,supra.
24Serranov.NLRC,387Phil.345,May4,2000.
25Fernandez,v.NLRC,349Phil.65,January28,1998.
26"Art. 282. Termination by employer. 'An employer may terminate an employment for any of the

followingcauses:(a)seriousmisconductorwillfuldisobediencebytheemployeeofthelawfulordersof
his employer or representative in connection with his work (b) gross and habitual neglect by the
employeeofhisduties(c)fraudorwillfulbreachbytheemployeeofthetrustreposedinhimbyhis
employer or duly authorized representative (d) commission of a crime or offense by the employee
against the person of his employer or any immediate member of his family or his duly authorized
representativeand(e)othercausesanalogoustotheforegoing."
27"Art.283.Closureofestablishmentandreductionofpersonnel.Theemployermayalsoterminate

the employment of any employee due to the installation of labor saving devices, redundancy,
retrenchment to prevent losses or the closing or cessation of operation of the establishment or
undertakingunlesstheclosingisforthepurposeofcircumventingtheprovisionsofthistitle,byserving
awrittennoticeontheworkersandthe[Department]ofLaborandEmploymentatleastone(1)month
beforetheintendeddatethereof.Incaseofterminationduetotheinstallationoflaborsavingdevices
orredundancy,theworkeraffectedtherebyshallbeentitledtoaseparationpayequivalenttoatleast
hisone(1)monthpayortoatleastone(1)monthpayforeveryyearofservice,whicheverishigher.
In case of retrenchment to prevent losses and in cases of closures or cessation of operations of
establishment or undertaking not due to serious business losses or financial reverses, the separation
payshallbeequivalenttoone(1)monthpayortoatleastonehalf(1/2)monthpayforeveryyearof
service, whichever is higher. A fraction of at least six (6) months shall be considered one (1) whole
year."
28 "Art. 284. Disease as ground for termination.

An employer may terminate the services of an


employee who has been found to be suffering from any disease and whose continued employment is
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prohibited by law or is prejudicial to his health as well as to the health of his co


employees:Provided,thatheispaidseparationpayequivalenttoatleastone(1)monthsalaryorto
onehalf month salary for every year or service, whichever is greater, a fraction of at least six (6)
monthsbeingconsideredasone(1)wholeyear."
29 Paguio Transport Corp. v. NLRC, supra Caurdanetaan Piece Workers Union

v.Laguesma, supra
VintaMaritimeCo.,Inc.v.NLRC,supraAninov.NLRC,352Phil.1098,May21,1998.
30SolidHomes,Inc.v.CA,341Phil.261,280,July8,1997.
31PakistanInternationalAirlinesCorp.v.Ople,190SCRA90,99,September28,1990,perFeliciano,

J. (cited in Bernardo v. NLRC, 369 Phil. 443, July 12, 1999 Magsalin v.National Organization of
WorkingMen,403SCRA199,May9,2003).
32AsiaWorldRecruitment,Inc.v.NLRC,371Phil.745,August24,1999.
33VintaMaritimeCo.,Inc.v.NLRC,supra.

34Pascuav.NLRC,supraNuevaEcijaIElectricCooperative,Inc.v.NLRC,380Phil.44,January24,

2000.
35

Cruz v. NLRC, 381 Phil. 775, February 7, 2000 (cited in Asia Pacific Chartering (Phils.),
Inc.v.Farolan,441Phil.776,December4,2002).
36LaborArbiterJoelS.Lustria'sDecision,pp.912rollo,pp.7073.(Citationsomitted)

chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

37PNCCv.NLRC,342Phil.769,August11,1997.

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